Sports Watch
WITH his victory in the Masters, Jose Maria Olazabal became the first to qualify for the PGA Grand Slam of Golf Nov. 16-17 at the Poipu Bay Resort on Kauai. Olazabal first to
qualify for Grand SlamWinners of the other three golf majors - the U.S. Open, British Open and PGA Championship - will join Olazabal, unless he also wins one or more of the remaining three events. Then an alternate or alternates will be determined from among former major winners.
This will be Olazabal's second shot in the event at Poipu Bay. He finished fourth in 1994 after his first Masters' victory. The Grand Slam winner that year? His 1999 challenger for the green coat - Greg Norman.
HAWAII GOLF HALL OF FAME: Tickets are still available at $35 per person for the Hawaii Golf Hall of Fame induction luncheon starting at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday at the Hawaii Prince Hotel.
The Aloha Section PGA will be honoring the three 1999 inductees - David "Bones" Bettencourt, Tura Kahaleanu Nagatoshi and the late Walter Nagorski. Call the PGA Aloha Section office at 593-2230 for details.
THE FUTURE IS NOW: Dream of entering the Hawaii Golf Hall of Fame some day, or being the next Tiger Woods? All youngsters (ages 7 to 17) interested in playing golf can sign up for a developmental program sponsored by the Oahu Junior Golf Association. Even if you haven't touched a golf club or may have had some playing experience, it's worth checking out.
The eight-week program, starting May 17, will group players according to their ability, and they will participate with others of their own skill. The fee is $145 for new golfers and $120 for those who attended the first program in February. The price includes eight sessions, range balls, course play time, collared-shirt and OJGA membership fee.
Registration is done by mail and the forms postmarked through April 30 will be accepted, pending space availability. Registration packets may be picked up at the following golf courses - Hawaii Prince, Hawaii Kai, Pearl Country Club and Olomana Golf Links. For more information, page Norman Asao, OJGA president, at 525-1507 or golf professional Casey Nakama at 279-4555. Or call him at 841-5308.
SWINGING FOR A GOOD CAUSE: Two upcoming golf benefits to consider: University of Hawaii men's volleyball, May 14, Mamala Bay Golf Course, Hickam AFB. Sponsored by the men's volleyball booster club. Golfers and prizes sought. For more information, telephone Myron Wong at 839-6972.
Friends for Frankie, June 21, Olomana Golf Links. Sponsored by the Society of Seven and Outrigger Entertainment to raise funds for Francis Ruivivar, who is battling leukemia. Brother of S.O.S. Tony Ruivivar, Francis has appeared on Broadway in such musicals as "CATS" and "Miss Saigon." For more information, call Loke Sala at 926-5609.
DIVOTS: The Waialae Country Club - site of the Sony Open in Hawaii, which opens the PGA Tour season - is laying in new irrigation lines at the cost of $1.8 million. Also, new cart paths will be installed, costing another $1 million. The work is expected to be completed by late summer ... According to recent survey, 48.1 percent of the PGA Tour professionals and 68 percent of the Senior PGA Tour players are now wearing non-metal spikes ... Check out a new Web site for junior golfers: http://www.juniorgolf.com. It provides comprehensive listings of junior tournaments and results, golf camps and directors of junior associations.